Lake Pend Oreille School District mulls training, arming teachers

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille School District board in Sandpoint is considering a new school security policy that includes training and arming district staff and teachers. The Bonner County Daily Bee reports the proposed policy has emerged after months of study by the board. Board chairman Steve Youngdahl presented the proposal this week, saying unguarded schools are more attractive targets for mass shootings. Under the proposal, the district would strategically select and train staff to carry concealed weapons in school and integrate firearms into a broader emergency response and lock-down procedure. Law enforcement would also be notified of the teachers and staff carrying firearms. Board officials vow to be open and deliberate with the public and parents. The board has scheduled a public forum on the policy next month.